Tag: first time home buyer

As a Buyer, when you first start working with a Realtor® they are going to request a sit down meeting with you. This meeting could take place at their office or even a coffee shop. Why do we do this before jumping in and showing you prospective houses?

It gives us a chance to get to know you better. I have a series of questions I ask all of my buyers that helps me understand the type of house you are looking for, where you want the house to be, features you would like the house to have and what’s most important to you. These interview type questions help save time in the long run by helping me understand you better.

A sit down meeting also give you a chance to interview the agent. Ask questions, anything you want. You need to feel comfortable working with me and confident I have your best interests at heart.

If you’ve never bought a home before, or if you did but it was years ago, you may not be aware of everything involved. During our first meeting I will explain the process to you, what steps are involved, and what your responsibilities are as well as mine.

If you have not gotten pre-approved for a mortgage your agent will refer you to a couple of great lenders they trust and have worked with in the past. In today’s strong sellers market you will need to send a pre-approval letter from the lender to the seller along with your offer.

Last, but certainly not least is safety. It’s never wise to meet someone you don’t know in a vacant home. Your agent may also ask for a copy of your drivers license, that’s standard procedure in many offices today.

When you take the time to meet with a Realtor® at the beginning of your home search you have the opportunity to ensure they are the right person for you.

Congratulations, you’ve decided the time is right to buy your first home! Here are some helpful tips to help you select the right home for your needs.

Before you begin your home search your Realtor® is going to have you speak to a lender to get pre-approved. Do not feel as though you must purchase a home that costs the maximum amount you have been approved for. You will still want some money in the bank for savings when you move in. Plus there may be additional purchases of furniture, lawn care equipment, new paint, etc…

We are in a very hot market right now and you may be anxious to find a place to call your own. Don’t make the mistake of buying the first house you see because you feel rushed. Educate yourself before you begin your search. What part of town do you want to be in, how big of a house do you want, what is available in the price range you can afford? Take the time to make sure it is the right property for you so you don’t make an expensive mistake.

At the same time, the market is hot right now and properties are selling fast. If you find the home you love make an offer right away, don’t delay. A favorite saying I tell my buyers is”the home you fall in love with today and want to put an offer on tomorrow is the same house someone else saw yesterday and wants to put an offer on today.” When you find the right home for you don’t dilly dally, in this market you could lose the home to another buyer.

Finally, make sure you work with a Realtor® you are comfortable with. They are your agent in the transaction and they represent you and your best interests. They should be experienced with the current market, knowledgeable about the area and be able to answer your questions (or advise you who can).